As the government shutdown enters its third week, Democrats are refusing to back down against the pressure from Republicans and threats from Trump. There is increasing division within the party as some members are advocating for proposals like reversing mass layoffs, while others highlight ongoing demands for healthcare negotiations with the GOP. Despite the chaos, some Democrats feel optimistic about the situation, stating that the shutdown is progressing better than expected. However, there is still a push to address the continuing challenges posed by the federal shutdown and the demands for reopening the government.